Richard Archer's blog

Roland and I are up early to sample the delights of the lake and forest around Glambecker Mill. There is something special about the first day at a new place and the birders’ instincts to get out early are impossible to resist. We wander expectantly around Glambecker Lake. A deep croak reminds me of the ravens which pass over our house at home. We spot a pair of goldeneye on the lake and later on the old carp ponds. Goldeneye breed at the mill, giving it a Scandinavian feel.

We’re up at 6am thanks to the ship’s alarm call. After a quick shower, I join people waiting to go down to the car deck. Roland is up earlier than me and is rewarded with good views of a North Sea porpoise.

This is the diary of Richard Archer, RSPB Conservation Officer for Somerset. In mid April, Richard spent three weeks as part of the RSPB/WWT/Pensthorpe crane team collecting crane eggs in Eastern Germany. These are his personal reflections on the successful German visit.